[07-01-2025] Yolo County, CA – Fireworks Facility Explosion in Esparto Leaves One Dead, Multiple Missing

A deadly explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto, Yolo County, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, left at least one person dead and several others missing.

The blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. at a facility operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics near Highway 16 and Oakdale Ranch Lane. 

The explosion triggered a 78-acre wildfire, known as the Oakdale Fire, which caused power outages for approximately 2,000 residents and forced evacuations.

Emergency responders had not yet entered the site by Wednesday evening due to ongoing explosive hazards. Officials said the area remained unstable, with small explosions continuing to occur as fire crews worked to mitigate the risks before recovery operations could begin.

A law enforcement source confirmed one fatality but stated it was unclear if the deceased was among the seven individuals still reported missing. Devastating Pyrotechnics released a statement suggesting more than one person may have been killed.

Two people were injured in the incident, according to Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence. The victims’ identities and employment status were not immediately disclosed.

Authorities said the blast flattened the building and scattered debris across the property. Another company, Blackstar Fireworks Inc., was also licensed at the site. A source familiar with the investigation said the building that exploded was not an approved storage area.

Cal Fire, the ATF, and the state fire marshal’s arson and bomb investigation teams are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Officials are also working with the facility’s owner and using aerial surveillance to search for the missing.

Relatives of missing workers gathered in Esparto seeking answers. One woman said her boyfriend, 18-year-old Jesus R., had just started his first day at the facility and had not been heard from since the explosion. Another man said three of his sons were working at the warehouse, two of whom had also just started that day.

Due to the destruction caused by fireworks at the facility, several localities, including Sutter and Yuba counties, announced the cancellation of planned Fourth of July shows. Cities such as Cloverdale, Lodi, San Jose, and St. Helena followed suit.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.